Crossroads Career Network program helps build skills to find jobs

For those hunting for a new job, the Crossroads Career Network at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland might have the answer.

By Laura Dornon

Holland Sentinel

By Laura Dornon

Posted Sep. 25, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Sep 25, 2013 at 7:17 PM

By Laura Dornon

Posted Sep. 25, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Sep 25, 2013 at 7:17 PM

Holland

For those hunting for a new job, the Crossroads Career Network at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland might have the answer.

Starting this week, a Crossroads class meets every Thursday for the next seven weeks. The program is open to anyone no matter their age or belief system — although participants do need to have some basic computer skills.

The cost for the program is $20 and includes a self-assessment test, the class lesson plans and other materials.

Central Wesleyan is one of more than 140 churches in the nation offering this seven-week program, which gives job-seekers the opportunity to learn the skills needed to find a job in the market today.

“There's still a lot of hurt out there with unemployment,” said Larry Wiersma, co-leader of the program. “A lot of jobs are offered at $9-$10 an hour, but take a man trying to support his wife and a couple kids. ... There's not a whole lot of spare cash left over.”

The program teaches skills such as resume and cover-letter writing, how to job search and interview as well as the ins and outs of navigating online job listing websites.

Rich Smit, co-leader of the program, said the information about online job searches is helpful for someone who has been in a position for a while but is having to learn the new ways of finding employment.

“Those individuals ... when they lose (or leave) the job that they have and begin looking again, are not familiar with the current practices with all of the online things,” Smit said. “We’re able to help them get on board with the latest techniques and practices."

Although the Crossroads program is open to all, it takes a faith-based approach.

“All of the materials have been designed with biblical references that support the concepts that we offer,” said Smit. “We start right out the second session with attitude.”

Central Wesleyan also offers a free networking group on Monday mornings for further discussion. Wiersma said those who are registered for the class and attend the Monday meeting have the best chance of finding success.

“A lot of these people have gone through our Crossroads Career Ministry training,” said Wiersma. “Out of that group, this past two weeks, we have had three people get very good jobs. It is a result of the training we give them and, of course, their networking.”

Crossroads classes meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Thursday through Nov. 7. To register or get more information, visit centralwesleyan/crossroads or call (616) 395-3108.